Letter to the editor: Herd mentality

Let’s be careful, however, that you and classmates don’t just take on the “herd” mentality. “Everyone’s doing it,” “Every high school has done the play,” “that’s real life” doesn’t show me and the community that you are rising above the cultural norms, aiming to do things better.

My three kids are very young still and herd mentality gives me little hope for them having honorable role models to look up to when they’re older. Consider what it means to be a real role model.

Consider the consequences. Consider what venues ARE appropriate for young men and women to discuss sensitive issues.

So, TDHS students, rise above our culture’s craving for the risqué and racy. Make a better name for yourselves than what is deemed popular in the world. Be the role models I and the community can count on to benefit younger generations who ARE watching.

This reminder to us all about “herd” mentality might also serve The Dalles City Council. I agree with Russ Brown’s and the Chronicle’s arguments about overstepping by spending $96,500 on entertainment, a “want.”

I have enjoyed seeing efforts to bring fun to The Dalles. The “needs” however are large and the Chronicle staff summed it up appropriately: minimize red tape, keep utility costs reasonable, make efficient and streamline the planning process.

In my almost six years in The Dalles, I have heard far more negativity about The Dalles City Council than positivity (speak up aye-sayers and be specific).

My hope with our coming elections is that our local government will become known more for its actual and tangible transparency and financial wisdom.

Fix the governing structures and communication, rebuild trust in the existing community, stop focusing on the cosmetics solely when the internal structures are hemorrhaging. THEN, The Dalles will see businesses and tourism increase.

Let’s commit to doing what’s right, to be better, The Dalles, both young and old alike.

Alexandra Smith

The Dalles